Surviving a frigid winter means running the furnace day and night to keep your home comfortable. Many of us can’t even imagine going one day without heating when the temperatures hover below 30 degrees for most of the season. No one likes to pay the outrageous gas bill, but it is a sacrifice that many of us to make in order to stay warm all winter long. But what if you didn’t have to make that sacrifice?

What is a heat pump?

It is possible to reduce your energy bills by pairing your current gas power furnace with an electricity powered heat pump. A heat pump is a two in one unit. It uses electricity to move heat to effectively provide heating and cooling. An air source heat pump works by pulling the hot air inside the home to the outdoors in the summer. By removing the heat from inside the home, the temperature is lowered. In the winter, the heat pump pulls hot air from the air outside and pumps it indoors. This type of unit is extremely energy efficient and will cost less to run than if you were to use the gas furnace.

Why not just install a heat pump?

Extremely cold temperatures do not allow homeowners to only run heat pumps in their home. It is better to have your gas furnace paired with the heat pump. On the days when the air outside is bitter cold, the heat pump is not able to pull enough heat out of the air to generate enough heat to get the temperature at a comfortable level. On the days when this happens, you can use the gas furnace as the primary heat source.

By having both units in your home, you will be able to take a huge load off of your furnace. Using the furnace less frequently will lower your gas bill, and having both units gives you the flexibility to choose which unit will cost you less to run. During times when electricity costs more you can opt to use the gas furnace and vice versa. You may even extend the life of your furnace because you are putting less of a strain on the unit by using it less frequently.

High efficiency furnaces

Also, pairing the heat pump with a new high efficiency furnace will increase your energy savings even more! There are new high efficiency gas furnaces on the market nowadays that are over 95% efficient with the gas that they consume. If you haven’t replaced your unit in over 15 to 20 years, the system in your home is probably horribly inefficient when compared to the newer models. It may seem like a bit of an investment right now, but within a couple years, your new systems will have paid for themselves in energy savings.

Pairing your gas furnace with an electric heat pump is a great way to save money on your energy bills. By sharing the load, the two units will work together to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all winter long.

Contact us today for a free estimate on a new gas furnace or electric heat pump!

The average furnace lifespan can vary between 15-20 years. If you have an old inefficient unit and been holding off on replacement, it may be costing you more money in the long run. Today we’ll take a look at 7 of the most common reasons to replace your furnace.

Age of Your Furnace: The average gas powered forced air furnace will last between 15 and 20 years if the owner has taken proper care of the unit. If your furnace is within that age range or if it is older, be a proactive homeowner and replace the furnace before it breaks down at an untimely time this winter.

Cracked Heat Exchanger: Many people are confused when they are told that the furnace must be replaced when the heat exchanger is found to have a crack in it. A cracked or rusted out heat exchangers is a known cause of carbon monoxide leaks in the home. Running a unit with this problem could have severe consequences.

High Energy Bills: One thing every homeowner can expect this winter is a rise in the cost of gas to heat your home. If you are running an old inefficient unit, that could mean a big increase in your energy bills as well. Lessen the blow by replacing that old unit with a new high efficiency furnace. You could save around 30% on your heating bills this winter!

Go Green: Taking care of our planet is everyone’s responsibility. If you are running a unit that is only 65% efficient of less, your home is wasting tons of energy every year. Reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to help the environment by installing a new high efficiency furnace in your home today!

High Repair Costs: If the unit that you currently have is in disrepair, the repair costs to the unit may not be worth it. Why invest hundreds of dollars in repair now when that old unit may not last much longer anyways?

Flooded Basement: Thousands of homes experiences flooding this past summer, and as a result, the furnace may have undergone some water damage. If this happened to you, don’t put off replacing the unit any longer! Attempting to run a water damaged furnace can lead to unexpected system failure, carbon monoxide leaks, and electrical fires.

Unpredictable Heating: If that old furnace isn’t evenly heating the home, a new high efficiency unit may solve all of your problems! The new technology on the market today increases comfort and reliability of your heating system. Don’t be left out in the cold this winter!

Our full line of Lennox furnaces are designed to deliver reliable and economical warmth and have efficiency ratings from 80% all the way up to 98% AFUE. Contact us today for a free estimate on a new furnace and be on your way to a warm and comfortable winter.

These days, it seems like everyone is talking about energy efficiency. Light bulbs, washers, dryers, and HVAC systems are often at the center of the discussion. Everyone is looking to save money and do their part to be eco-friendly as well. This winter, you may even be looking to swap out that old furnace for a new high efficiency model. Our SLP98V Furnace is the most efficient and the quietest furnace you will find of the market today.

What makes the SLP98V so special?

The SLP98V has several features that enable it to boast such high efficiency and quiet operation. For starters, this furnace has an AFUE rating of 98.2%! That means that almost 100% of the gas used to run this furnace is used to generate heat. Older models have much lower ratings. If your current furnace was purchased before 1992 then there is a good chance that it is less than 75% efficient. That means that you are currently throwing away hundreds of dollars a year when you could be saving up to $800 a year with the Lennox SLP98V.
This furnace is able to achieve such a high rating because of its variable speed blower motor and its SureLight igniter. The variable speed blower motor is self-calibrating. This means that it is able to automatically adjust to meet your needs. For example, if the temperature outside is more mild, the motor will adjust to a lower setting to conserve energy while still allowing the heating needs to be met in the home. This type of blower also allows for quiet operation because it is not always running on high. The igniter is a type of electronic ignition that only lights when the furnace calls for heat. Older models use a standing pilot that requires a constant stream of gas to stay lit 24/7. By only lighting when you need heat, this pilot is a major contributor to the energy efficiency of this furnace.
Many homes put up with a noisy furnace because they think that that is there only option. However, it doesn’t have to sound like there is a helicopter landing in your basement every time the furnace kicks on. With the SLP98V you also get extremely quiet operation. Lennox has engineered new technology that makes their furnaces 50% quieter than your average unit. With the help of the variable speed blower motor and a fully insulated cabinet, furnace like the SLP98V achieve virtually silent operation even at higher speeds.

How does this technology affect me?
Besides saving you loads of money every year on your energy bills, the technology in the Lennox SLP98V furnace is used to increase your personal home comfort. Quiet operation allows you to enjoy near silence throughout your home. The variable speed blower also uses Precise Comfort Technology. This technology helps your furnace have more than just a high and low setting. It adjusts the fan speed in increments as small at 1%. What this means to you is that when you set the thermostat at a certain temperature, the furnace will automatically adjust to meet that temperature by changing heat and airflow capacity. That translates into precise temperatures and comfort in your home all winter long.

We offer a variety of high-efficiency furnaces to choose from and offer free in-home estimates from our factory trained and licensed comfort specialists. Contact us today to be on your way to saving money on your energy bills!

Furnaces are very safe machines, but under the right circumstances and with the right malfunctions, they can be dangerous machines. That should be no surprise. They ignite combustible gasses to create heat and fire to warm your homes. If this sophisticated system is damaged, or otherwise faulty, the consequences can be more extreme than a chilly evening.

Primarily, the largest danger and most serious malfunction is a crack in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a metal shield in the furnace that is directly warmed by the combusting gasses and fire in the burner of the furnace. The purpose of the part is to allow only the heat to transfer to the air in your vents while keeping any exhaust and fumes out of your indoor air. A crack in this heat exchanger allows such dangerous gasses as carbon monoxide to leak through into your ductwork.

Reasons Your Heat Exchanger Could Crack

A heat exchanger should last 15-20 years, but, there are a few factors that could lead to a premature crack!

Improper Air Flow: Clogged and dirty air filters or blocked vents could cause the furnace to work harder that it was designed. Extrapolate a harder workload over years, and a premature crack in the heat exchanger will not be far off.

Malfunctioning Burners: A malfunction in your burner left unfixed and unattended could be causing your furnace to burn hotter than it should! This increase in heat will be sure to create a crack.

Excessive Condensation: A furnace left out of use for some time can acquire condensation. This condensation then accumulates in the heat exchanger, causes it to rust, and creates a crack.

Your Best Defense — Annual Furnace Tune-ups!

While most heat exchangers will last throughout the entire lifespan of the furnace without problem, the consequences of an undiscovered crack are seriousness enough to remain vigilant. The best way to monitor your furnace and identify a problem in your heat exchanger is through annual maintenance. Schedule your Tuneup, and let our technicians inspect every aspect of your furnace.

This winter, just like every winter before, thousands of furnaces will fail and need to be replaced. The problem is that every year, thousands of those furnaces are improperly sized for the homes that they are installed in. Furnaces are not one size fits all and calculating square footage is not enough to determine the proper size needed. Replacing a furnace is a big investment for any family to undertake, and the last thing you should want is for that new system to be the wrong size for your home. The consequences of doing so include:

High Energy Bills: When a unit is oversized it cycles on and off more frequently. Firing up a furnace more than necessary wastes a lot of energy and will drive up the heating bills. When a unit is undersized, it won’t be able to keep up with the temperature demand. This causes the unit to run for long periods of time without shutting off. Long run times will also waste energy and lead to high energy bills.

Decreased Comfort: Another consequence of an oversized furnace cycling too frequently is decreased comfort. Areas of the home that are further away from the thermostat will not heat up evenly because they are only exposed to short bursts of heat. This change in temperature from room to room is known as a temperature swing. For undersized units, they may not ever be able to meet the heating requirements you set on the thermostat.

Poor Humidity Levels: Humidity levels are directly affected by the cycle of the furnace. If the furnace cycles too long or too short, humidity levels will be off which leads to further discomfort.

Premature System Failure: Both oversized and undersized units will have a shorter lifespan than a unit that is properly sized for the home. Wear and tear on the unit is increased because of frequent start ups and shut downs, and damage is also caused when a system runs for longer periods of time than should be necessary.

Sizing the Furnace Properly

Most people need the help of a professional contractor in order to find the right size system for their home. The contractor will do a load calculation on your home, as well as consider several other factors before choosing the system that will work best for you and your family’s heating needs. Some of the points that they consider include:

Square footage of home

Climate that the home is located in

Insulation in various areas of the home including the attic

Type of windows, age and condition

Sunlight exposure

Heights of ceilings in the home

Number of rooms occupied on a regular basis

These are just a few of the many checks that a real expert will check. If you find that your contractor is willing to quote you over the phone, you should consider using another company. These measurements cannot be performed over the phone and neglecting to take all of these into consideration could land you with an improperly sized heating system this winter. We offer free in home estimates on all new furnaces. Our Comfort Specialist will carefully assess your home to ensure you have the right size furnace!

Often times you’ll hear us discuss the importance of energy efficiency when referring to new furnaces or boilers. But how can energy efficient HVAC Systems help you save money?

Furnace and boiler efficiency is measured in AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is a percentage that represents the amount of natural gas that is actually converted into heat for your home.

For instance, an 80% AFUE furnace uses 80% of its gas to create heat, and the other 20% is lost during the combustion process. Therefore, the higher the percentage, the less gas you will use, and the lower your energy bills will be. There are different efficiency ranges, and it is important to understand the benefits and losses associated with owning a unit that falls within one of these ranges.

The Energy Efficiency Spectrum

65% AFUE or Lower: The general rule of thumb when determining the energy efficiency of your current heating system is: the older the unit the lower the rating. Most furnaces and boilers that are fifteen years old or older are at best 65% efficient with the gas that they consume. This is extremely wasteful, and operating a system that is this inefficient is a waste of your hard earned money.

78% AFUE- 81% AFUE: This range of efficiency is considered a “mid-range” energy efficiency rating. This is the current requirement set by our government for the minimum efficiency rating required for new units. An upgrade to this level of efficiency will give you noticeable savings on your monthly gas bills, but when you live in cold climate, the higher the efficiency, the better the savings.

90% AFUE-97% AFUE: Furnaces and boilers that are rated this high waste very little gas and will save you big bucks on your energy bills. They also often come with several other features that improve home comfort and offer user friendly operation to the homeowner. Lennox Home Comfort Systems are at the forefront of HVAC technology, and when you purchase your new Lennox system from us, you can rest assured that you are not only receiving a top quality product but also a first class installation.

Depending on the age of your system, you may already have an idea of how inefficient it truly is. If you are interested in learning more about the energy efficient systems we offer or if you need help determining the efficiency of your current furnace or boiler, fill out our online form to schedule your free in-home estimate.

Our highly trained HVAC service technicians are able to handle a variety of issues. From boilers and furnaces to heat pumps and air conditioners, our technicians are proficiently trained to handle nearly any situation your HVAC systems can throw at them. However, the expertise of our technicians is not needed in every situation. Hundreds of times a year, we have customers who call us out for problems that really aren’t problems at all. Flipping a switch and setting a thermostat are “repairs” that nearly any homeowner can handle on their own. We know that our customers work hard for their money, and that they don’t want to waste it on unnecessary service calls. So, the next time the furnace breaks down, there are a few points to check before calling.

The circuit breaker- The circuit breaker or fuse box is a good place to begin when the furnace won’t kick on properly. Fuses blow out and circuit breakers trip. Simply replace the fuse or flip the breaker on and test the furnace again. However, if the fuse continues to pop or the breaker continues to trip on a regular basis, you do need to have one of our certified technician diagnose the system to find the underlying problem.

The thermostat- Many times the problem with the furnace is simply that the thermostat was set improperly or had dead batteries. First make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat,” and then raise the temperature by 5 degrees. If the thermostat is powered by batteries, replace the batteries and reset the thermostat according to the manual’s instructions.

The furnace filter- If you haven’t performed your yearly maintenance, or if you don’t change the filter regularly, it can become clogged and stop the furnace from igniting properly. Your furnace needs proper airflow to ignite, so replace the filter and see if it makes a difference. If the furnace starts to work again, it would be a very good idea to have a certified furnace tune up performed on the system. Proper furnace maintenance will get the system running efficiently and prevent any other unwanted breakdowns.

The furnace power switch- Every furnace has an on/off switch that is located on the unit. Sometimes the switch can get knocked or inadvertently turned off. Make sure that the switch is in the on position, and flip it off and then back on to see if you can get the system to start up.

The blower door- Your furnace’s blower motor is located in a special compartment that is enclosed by a door. There is a switch on this door that will stop the furnace from turning on if the door isn’t completely closed. Make sure all the panel on the furnace are closed and try to start up the system.

Once you have performed all of these checks and your unit still won’t kick on, it is time to call us. The good news is that our team of friendly and knowledgeable repair technicians is available 24/7 for all of your heating repair needs.

It may be warm outside right now, but in a matter of weeks the temperature will be falling along with the leaves. Fall is on the way and it is time to get your furnace ready for the upcoming winter season. Performing your pre-season maintenance can save you money and the hassle of mid- winter repairs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Replace your air filter– Many people allow months and maybe even years to go by before changing the air filter in the furnace. Failing to do so can cause inadequate air flow, and it may even cause the furnace to fail by preventing the unit from firing up when you call for heat.

Check the thermostat-A lot of the times your thermostat may trick you into thinking that there is a problem with the system. If the differential is improperly set, your unit may not be hitting the temperature that you want it to. Also, if your thermostat runs on batteries, now would be a good time to change them. Programmable thermostats are also a great idea to keep in mind for this winter. This type of thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature based on the time of day by presetting a program. This way you save energy during the hours when no one is home or when everyone is asleep.

Test the Carbon Monoxide Detectors– It is an imperative investment to make in your safety to replace or install CO detectors in your home. They alert you when the levels of carbon monoxide in your home are dangerously high. This is especially important in the winter because furnaces are one of the main causes of high levels of CO in the home. It is odorless and will not be detected without these alarms present.

Schedule a tune-up– A tune-up is a cleaning and efficiency check for the unit. Only a certified HVAC technician can perform this procedure correctly, but if completed, it can save you money on your energy bills because the furnace will be running more efficiently. Most furnace manufacturers also require annual maintenance to maintain your warranty.

Schedule your $69 Furnace Tuneup today and protect against breakdowns all winter long! We service all makes and models of oil, gas, and electric furnaces and never charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays. Schedule today and avoid the rush!

Is your old furnace costing you money? Is it breaking down frequently or not keeping up with the heating demands of your home? Listed below are common reasons why you should consider replacing an old furnace.

High Energy Bills: Older furnaces are often around 65% or less efficient with the gas that they consume. That translates into high utility bills every month, and the problem will only get worse with time. A new high efficiency unit will greatly reduce those bills, and pay itself off in savings in a matter of a few years.

Age of the Furnace: If your furnace is in the 15 to 20 years old range, replacement should be considered. The typical forced air gas powered furnace lasts for about 20 years with proper maintenance. Even if the unit is working fine right now, the older it gets, the higher the chances are that you will experience failure of some of the major components in the unit.

Cracked Heat Exchanger: If your old furnace has been diagnosed with a cracked heat exchanger, now is the time to replace the unit. Cracks or leaks in the heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks into the breathing air of the home, and heat exchangers are very costly to replace. You would be better off just replacing the entire system because there is a good chance that the rest of the unit is in just as bad of shape as the heat exchanger.

High Repair Costs: If your old furnace has been diagnosed with several problems that add up to expensive repairs, you should replace the unit. It doesn’t make much sense to put hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars into a furnace that is on its last leg.

Going Green: The “green movement” has captivated much of the country, and maybe you have already begun implementing certain green improvements in your home. If so, one of the best ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint is to install high efficiency heating equipment. These systems use much less gas to generate the same amount of heat as your old system and the less gas your home uses, the less of a negative impact you will have on the environment.

Inconsistent Heating: Ice cold rooms and chronic system failure are just a couple of the problems caused by unpredictable heating systems. Your family deserves comfort this winter, so now may be the time to install a heating system that actually meets your heating needs.

Manufacturer Rebates: Lennox is currently offering up to $1600 in rebates on qualifying home comfort systems!

At Berkshire Heating & Air Conditioning, our factory trained and licensed comfort technicians are always available to help and answer any of your questions. If you feel it’s time to replace your old furnace, we offer free no-obligation in home estimates! Backed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 45 years experience, turn to the experts at Berkshire Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your heating needs!

There are basically four categories that all air conditioner breakdowns fall into, and depending on the age, location, and condition or your air conditioner, you may be able to figure out which category your broken air conditioner falls into. Berkshire Heating & Air can repair or replace your system no matter the cause of its problem.

Four Categories of Air Conditioner Breakdowns:

Lack of Maintenance: About 90% of air conditioner breakdowns are caused by lack of maintenance. Dirt, debris, and other contaminants are like a disease for your air conditioner, and if you are not having them cleaned out regularly, this is probably the source of your breakdown. Although it is most common, it is also the most preventable type of breakdown. A simple, low cost tune-up from Berkshire Heating & Air every year will keep your system functioning for years to come.

Old Age: Homeowners that take good care of their air conditioners will often get a good 15 to 20 years worth of comfort out of them. The reason why these systems ultimately fail is because of old age. The parts in the system can only function for so long before they need to be replaced, and if your system is at its age limit, replacement is often cheaper than trying to salvage the old unit with new parts.

Improper Use: Improper use of the air conditioner also leads to part breakdown. If you use the air conditioner when it is too cold outside, you are likely to cause damage to its components. If your system is undersized or oversized for your home, it will also fail prematurely and need replacement.

Physical Damage: Physical damage can be caused by anything from a lawnmower to a fallen tree. These are not as common of problems, but when they happen, they often lead to major repairs or replacement of the system.

Contact us for All of Your Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance Needs!

If you think you may know what is causing your problem, or even if you have no idea, call Berkshire Heating & AIr Conditioning! Our NATE certified technicians are available 24/7 for all of your air conditioner repair, maintenance, and installation needs. Click here to request service!

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About Us

We are a full service HVAC contractor providing repair, maintenance, and installation for all types of heating and air conditioning systems. We have been servicing Berkshire, Hampden and Hampshire counties since 1971. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!